Fitting strake

[Johnwin]

I am in the process of sprucing up my old SR4 and I will be fitting new strake on the weekend. I would like to fit the strake in one piece but I am concerned that a shoddy job will make the boat look worse so, would fitting it in sections be more sensible?

[slimtim]

no, one piece is the way forward. The tube guys on here will advise you better than I ever could but I've done it once and its fairly easy and straight forward.

First mark where you want the top and bottom edges of the strake. Take your time on this to make sure its in the middle etc. Then stick masking tape along the lines and abrade the tube with p80 sand paper. Also abrade the strake.

Clean everything with the bostik thinners and apply the first coat of glue to both surfaces. leave for half hour or so and apply the second coat. Leave again untill its nice and tacky.

Then, start at of the tube cones at the transom and have one person holding the strake that is about to be stuck on, another lining up and pushing it on followed by a third rolling it with a roller. I used chairs and things to support the strake and keep it off the floor (to stop dirt sticking to the tacky glue). Keep the strake tight all the way around and when you get to the other end, cut off the excess. Don't cut it to length before sticking it on.

One last thing, make sure the edges are well stuck down to stop the force of the water peeling it back.

Forgot to mention you need to tube pumped up real hard.

Hoep that helps!

[Andre]

Originally Posted by Johnwin

I am in the process of sprucing up my old SR4 and I will be fitting new strake on the weekend. I would like to fit the strake in one piece but I am concerned that a shoddy job will make the boat look worse so, would fitting it in sections be more sensible?

John, try your best to put it on in one piece and make sure you buff the tube and the strake

Andre

[Johnwin]

One piece it is, thanks for the advice.

[Johnwin]

Strake now fitted (before and after pictures attached ). New steering wheel and seats next week before the maiden voyage next saturday